Enemies are desperately making every effort to promote ideas against hijab in Iran

If someone does something wrong, in private, this is between them and God, but the Islamic government–like the government of the Commander of the Faithful–is obliged to stand up against what is committed in front of the people's eyes and in the social environment.

Our enemies are literally killing themselves outside the country in order to do so [promote ideas against hijab]. They carry out this mission in different ways: they are spending large sums of money in order to employ television, radio channels, and internet websites; they request that these media outlets promote their agendas and repeat them numerous times [to persuade the public]. But, to what end? To deceive a handful of girls to remove their hijabs on the street. So much money, endeavor, and planning are behind this course of action. Their efforts are intense, but their efforts are also in vain. The result was that a few individuals–four girls in some corner of the country–were deceived by people with different motives [hijab was not their main motive]. Some of them might have received money–I cannot say this for sure–in order to remove their scarves. To prove what, overall? The result of all that scheming is summarized into this tiny and mean outcome.

Our magnanimous Imam used to stand up against what was considered divinely haram

Well, there is no problem up to this point. What makes me sensitive is that suddenly some individuals–who are considered elites–speak on the issue of "obligatory hijab." This means that some people are unknowingly–I say unknowingly and hope that God willing it is so–pursuing the same direction that the enemy is, despite the fact that he has not managed accomplish his pursuits outside the country, even with all that spending. They are pursuing the same goal. There are journalists, semi-intellectuals, clerics and clergymen among these individuals. They say, "When Imam [Khomeini] said that women should wear hijab, he did not mean all women." This is a nonsensical statement. We were present at that time; we are aware of this. How can it be otherwise so? Imam stood like a mountain against a clear munkar [what is forbidden by God] which had been created in the country by the Pahlavi regime and their followers: and he [Imam Khomeini] said that hijab should exist: Imam stood with such courage against all munkars.

At that time, there was an argument over the business of alcoholic drinks. We were on the Council of the Revolution, and we held common meetings with the administration: there were some individuals who believed that the business of alcoholic drinks was beneficial for the country! They said, "How can we forget about this advantage?" They were willing to continue this business, and they wanted to import wine from outside of the country. However, Imam stood firm and powerful. Our magnanimous Imam used to stand up against what was considered divinely haram. Alcohol was a divine haram.

Islamic government is obliged to stand up against what is committed in public

Now [about hijab] someone from the opposing side has said: "This sin is not graver than that of backbiting. You do not sue someone for backbiting. So, why do you sue someone who removes her scarf and who does not wear hijab?" Notice what a major mistake they are making! This exhibits lack of recognition and understanding! What leads one to suffer is that there is no understanding! We did not say that we would pursue those who remove their scarves in front of a non-mahram [men who are not allowed to see a woman without hijab] in their own houses. We will not pursue them because they are doing this at home: this is a personal affair.

However, what is committed on the streets is a public and social action! This is a kind of public lesson. This creates obligations for a government which operates in the name of Islam. There is no difference between small and great haram. What is illegal and haram should not be committed in public. If someone does something wrong, in private, this is between them and God, but the Islamic government–like the government of the Commander of the Faithful–is obliged to stand up against what is committed in front of the people's eyes and in the social environment. The idea which upholds, "You should allow the people to make their own decisions" exists for selling wine too. Well, we should legalize wine in the country, so that people drink it if they like and avoid drinking it if they do not like it! Is this a reasonable statement? It can be applied to all grave social sins. Is this a reasonable idea? The Holy Legislator has obliged the Islamic government to prevent the promotion of divine haram in a society. The Islamic government is responsible for standing up against haram and sins.

While wearing Islamic hijab, Iranian women have achieved the highest rankings in science

Today, we are proud of our women's willingness to wear hijab inside the country. While wearing the chador – chador is an Iranian model of hijab – and while wearing Islamic hijab, Iranian women have achieved the highest rankings in science. They have achieved some of the highest artistic and cultural rankings. They are among the best women in the world, and they have influenced social issues. At the same time, they have been committed to housekeeping, raising their children, and caring for their husbands. If we intend to, constantly, maneuver the laws in order to pursue deviant western civilization, this is a grave mistake; however, some people make this mistake.

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